Varadkar kicks off bid to host 2023 World Cup

The Government will today launch an ambitious go-it-alone plan to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup with games to be hosted in rugby and GAA stadiums north and south of the border.

The campaign will be kick-started by Minister for Sport Leo Varadkar and has the potential to bring 337,000 international rugby fans to Ireland, boosting the economy to the tune of €800m, according to an independent report commissioned by Mr Varadkar.

He will address leading decision-makers on the issue at an international conference in Dublin today, before bringing the report to Cabinet tomorrow, where he will seek the support of Government to plan for a bid.